UNFORSAKEN

Psalm 22 and the Cross

Forsaken: to renounce or turn away from entirely

An Example: the Michigan Theatre (built 1926)

Was Jesus Forsaken by God the Father?

Crucifixion by Matthias Grunewald (1523)

Psalm 22 in the New Testament

• Most frequently quoted psalm in the NT

• Used 24 times: 4 quotations and 20 allusions

• 3/4 quotes and 14/20 allusions are found in the 4 Passion narratives!

• Jesus’ death on the cross is patterned after Psalm 22.

1. The Question: Ps 22:1

…about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” …at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34

2. Encircled and Insulted: Ps 22:6-8, 12-13, 16-17

…those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads…So also the chief priests, with the scribes and elders, mocked him… the robbers who were crucified with him also reviled him in the same way…the soldiers also mocked him…One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him…

Matthew 27:38-44, Mark 15:27-32, Luke 23:35-39

3. Thirst: Ps 22:15

After this, Jesus, knowing that all was now finished, said ( to fulfill the Scripture), “I thirst.”

John 19:28

4. Pierced Hands and Feet: Ps 22:16

…they crucified him…

Matthew 27:35, Mark 15:24, Luke 23:33, John 19:18

5. Casting Lots for Clothes: Ps 22:18

When the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, one part for each soldier; also his tunic. But the tunic was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom, so they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says, “They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” So the soldiers did these things…

John 19:23-24

A Gentile Worships Jesus: Ps 22:27

…the centurion and those who were with him…were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!”…the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!”…the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, saying, “Certainly this man was innocent!”

Matthew 27:54, Mark 15:39, Luke

23:47

The Victorious Declaration: Ps 22:31

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

John 19:30

UNFORSAKEN

“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19

i.e. “I will not forsake you”